Your weight loss program
Your medication
Where clinically appropriate, an eScript for Wegovy will be issued for delivery by Chemist2U.
How does Wegovy (Semaglutide) work?
Wegovy (Semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication used for weight loss and management of type 2 diabetes. Containing the active ingredient semaglutide, it works by regulating appetite and blood sugar, which can lead to reduced calorie intake and, eventually, weight loss.[2]
Wegovy (Semaglutide) belongs to the class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are drugs manufactured to mimic the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the body responsible for appetite and glucose control[3]. The GLP-1 receptors in the brain are activated when Wegovy (Semaglutide) is administered, which then lowers appetite and cravings[4].
It also helps regulate blood glucose by increasing insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon secretion.
This means you may feel less hungry and consume fewer calories, helping with overall weight management.
How do you take Wegovy (Semaglutide)?
Wegovy (Semaglutide) is approved as a weight loss injection prescribed for obesity. It is injected subcutaneously under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It is administered using a pen device once a week on the same day each week, at any time, with or without food[5]. The pen is for one-time use only and should be disposed of properly after use[6].
Who can take Wegovy (Semaglutide)?
Wegovy is used to treat type 2 diabetes or chronic weight management in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise[7].
Individuals who are allergic to Wegovy (Semaglutide) or any of its ingredients, have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, severe gastrointestinal disease, diabetic retinopathy, type 1 diabetes, severe heart, kidney or liver disease or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should not use Wegovy (Semaglutide).
The use of Wegovy (Semaglutide) should also be stopped at least two months before planning to get pregnant. Women who are breastfeeding should talk to their practitioner about the best way to feed their baby while using Wegovy (Semaglutide)[8].
Side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Like other medications, Wegovy (Semaglutide) may come with some side effects[9]. It’s important to be aware of these potential side effects and to consult your practitioner.
Some of the most common side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide) may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, mild abdominal discomfort, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, runny nose, or sore throat.
Meanwhile, the more serious side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide) may include:[10]
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting, which may radiate to the back, may be an indication of an inflamed pancreas.
- Gallbladder problems: Symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or clay-coloured stools may indicate gallbladder issues.
- Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those taking certain medications, may be at risk of low blood sugar.
- Kidney problems (kidney failure): Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which are common side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide), may lead to dehydration and worsen kidney problems.
- Serious allergic reactions: Symptoms of serious allergic reactions include swelling of the face, breathing difficulties, severe rash, fainting, or rapid heartbeat.
- Increased heart rate at rest: You may feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest, which could last for several minutes.
Wegovy (Semaglutide) and other medications
Since Wegovy (Semaglutide) contains semaglutide, it shares the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Rybelsus. This means that they should not be used together. Wegovy (Semaglutide) can also slow digestion and the absorption of orally taken medicines, so it’s important to inform your practitioner about all your medications, especially insulin or other diabetes medicines[11].
Additionally, other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with Wegovy (Semaglutide).
Medicines you should not use with Wegovy (Semaglutide)
There are various drugs known to interact with Wegovy (Semaglutide), including albuterol, hydrochlorothiazide, levothyroxine, and prednisone[12]. Talk to your practitioner before taking these medicines alongside Wegovy.
Additionally, it would be critical to tell your practitioner if you take other medicines to treat diabetes, such as sulfonylureas or insulin[13].
References
- [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4386197/
- [2] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
- [3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/obr.12839
- [4] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
- [5] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- [6] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
- [7] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
- [8] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
- [9] https://www.wegovy.com/
- [10] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.645563/full
- [11] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
- [12] https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/semaglutide,wegovy.html
- [13] https://www.wegovy.com/tools-and-resources/faq.html